Stomoxys calcitrans parasitism associated with cattle diseases in Espírito Santo do Pinhal, São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

The stable fly has been of great significance to livestock production in the county of Espirito Santo do Pinhal; it has a painful bite, sucks blood, and carries many diseases. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between the parasitism of Stomoxys calcitrans, manure management, cattle diseases, and technical support. According to the farmers the stable fly reaches its highest level in the rainy season, the same period in which diseases were detected. Most of the farmers said that they did not receive technical assistance. The association of inappropriate manure management, verified in this survey, with the low frequency of technical visits, resulted in a low level of technology utilization. Better technological assistance could moderate the stable fly infestation and help manage serious cattle diseases.